Aircraft Network Controller for Multi-Link Channel Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft network systems require multiple physically separate data transmission lines and bulkhead connectors to connect devices across different domains, leading to increased weight, fuel, and maintenance costs due to the need for isolated subsystems for deterministic and non-deterministic data communication.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a network controller with a processing circuit to multiplex data from multiple communication channels into a single multiplexed data stream, allowing for communication over a single channel, thereby reducing the number of required transmission lines and connectors, while maintaining logical segregation between domains using techniques like time-division multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple physically separate data transmission lines are used to connect devices across different domains, then data communication reliability between deterministic and non-deterministic domains is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate data transmission lines (ARINC 664 deterministic channel and ARINC 818 non-deterministic channel) into a single shared communication channel. The network controller multiplexes data from both domains over this single physical medium, eliminating the need for separate cable runs and reducing aircraft weight while maintaining domain isolation through logical segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared communication channel serves multiple functions by carrying both deterministic ARINC 664 data and non-deterministic ARINC 818 data simultaneously. The single physical infrastructure supports multiple communication protocols and data types through time-division and priority-based multiplexing, reducing the overall infrastructure requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple physically separate data transmission lines are used for different domains, then data communication security is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate transmission lines into a single shared channel, directly reducing the weight of the aircraft's electrical infrastructure. Since aircraft fuel consumption is directly related to weight, this consolidation reduces fuel burn throughout the aircraft's operational life while maintaining secure domain isolation through logical multiplexing.
3Reliability
If multiple separate subsystems are implemented for different data types, then data communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate subsystems (ARINC 664 network and ARINC 818 network) into a single shared infrastructure. The network controller integrates both protocols and data types into one physical channel, reducing the number of separate network stacks, cable harnesses, and bulkhead connectors while maintaining the functional separation and reliability of each domain through logical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared communication channel and network controller are designed to handle multiple protocols and data types simultaneously. This universal infrastructure supports both deterministic and non-deterministic communication requirements, reducing the overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated subsystems for each protocol.
4Reliability
If physically separate trunk lines are used to connect devices, then data communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate trunk lines into a single shared communication channel, reducing the quantity of cables, connectors, and installation labor required. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining reliable data communication through the multiplexed shared infrastructure.
5Adaptability or versatility
If additional bulkhead connectors are installed for multiple networks, then data communication connectivity is improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of bulkhead connectors required by consolidating multiple network connections into a single shared channel. Fewer connectors mean fewer potential failure points and simpler maintenance procedures, while the network controller's multiplexing capabilities maintain full connectivity for both deterministic and non-deterministic data domains.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an airborne platform includes a network controller, a first subsystem having a number of devices configured to communicate a first data type, and a second subsystem having a number of devices configured to communicate a second data type. The network controller includes a processing circuit and is communicably coupled to the first subsystem and to the second subsystem. The processing circuit is configured to receive data relating to the first data type over a first plurality of communication channels and data relating to the second data type over a second plurality of communication channels. The processing circuit is further configured to multiplex the data relating to the first data type and the second data type to a multiplexed data stream configured for communication over a single communication channel. The processing circuit is further configured to transmit the multiplexed data stream over a data transmission line.